Meeting Abstract
P1.62 Thursday, Jan. 3 Pre-hibernation Focal Observations in Free-living Arctic Ground Squirrels WRIGHT, AK*; FRIDINGER, RW; BARNES, BM; BUCK, CL; University of Miami; University of Alaska; University of Alaska; University of Alaska A.Wright7@hotmail.com
Arctic ground squirrels (Spermophilus parryii) engage in a brief active season after emergence from hibernation and before immergence into their overwintering hibernacula. Studies of free-living arctic ground squirrels show that they fatten rapidly 3-4 weeks before entering hibernation, and speculate that accelerated accumulation of adipose is achieved through pre-hibernation hyperphagia. We conducted focal observations of a marked free-living population of arctic ground squirrels located on the North Slope of Alaska to determine if/how they alter their behavior. We were particularly interested in the durations of behaviors that animals were engaged in (foraging, locomotion, alert state, and grooming). Squirrels (adult males, 3, adult females, 4) were outfitted with radiotelemetry devices and were uniquely marked (eartags and hair dye) to facilitate location and identification of individuals in the field. A total of 95 hours was spent conducting focal observations. Squirrels of neither sex demonstrated a significant amplification of foraging activity correlated with the time of season. The mean proportion of time spent foraging (males, 0.44 + 0.14, females, 0.56 + 0.2) earlier in the season did not differ significantly from the mean proportion of time spent foraging (males, 0.53 + 0.5, females 0.50 + 0.4) later in the season. Moreover, neither sex reduced locomotor activity or altered activity patterns during the observational period. These results suggest that there may be other behavioral contributors to adiposity such as food selection. Studies of underlying physiological mechanisms such as metabolism reduction and increased digestive efficiency may also provide insight into how arctic ground squirrels fatten before entering hibernation.
